Rory McIlroy reveals Tiger Woods is "engaged" as he looks to PGA Tour future

Rory McIlroy says Tiger Woods has "been speaking to a lot of people and he's really engaged".

12 Sep 2023

Rory McIlroy reveals Tiger Woods is "engaged" as he looks to PGA Tour future — Rory McIlroy reveals Tiger Woods is "engaged" as he looks to PGA Tour…

Rory McIlroy has explained how Tiger Woods is fully "engaged" in his new role on the PGA Tour policy board.

Woods, 47, was last month confirmed as the latest PGA Tour player to join the board.

The former World No.1 joined the PGA Tour policy board as a player director just two months after the PGA Tour and DP World Tour struck a shock merger with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).

It is understood that at the request of 41 PGA Tour members, Woods was urged to become the sixth player director.

Woods now joins McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, Charley Hoffman, Webb Simpson and Peter Malnati as players on the board.

According to McIlroy, the 15-time major champion has been working tirelessly in recent weeks as the PGA Tour and the PIF look to negotiate the final details of their framework agreement to house commercial operations under a new for-profit entity.

That's all while Woods continues to recover from ankle surgery.

McIlroy explained:

"I think Tiger being on the board... I think it's meaningful that he's on it, that he's engaged.

"He's certainly been spending more time on it than I have. He's been talking to some people. He's been talking to a lot of people. He's really engaged in just trying to get the best outcome for the players on the PGA Tour.

"So I think his difference has been felt already. I think it will only continue to, his presence on there will only continue to grow as we head towards that December 31st deadline."

Woods and McIlroy are therefore likely going to have a huge say in the direction of the PGA Tour when they allign, if at all, with PIF.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has said of Woods' new role on the board:

"Tiger's voice and leadership throughout his career have contributed immeasurably to the success of the PGA Tour, and to apply both to our governance and go-forward plan at this crucial time is even more welcomed and impactful.

"I am committed to taking the necessary steps to restore any lost trust or confidence that occurred as a result of the surprise announcement of our framework agreement.

"My job in the negotiations – in partnership with our Player Directors, PAC and the broader membership – is to advocate for what is best for the PGA Tour members today and in the future.

"Any agreement we reach must be shaped by our members' input and approval earned through our Player Directors."

To the delight of golf fans around the world, Woods was seen chipping and juggling golf balls on the practice range alongside Rickie Fowler and Will Zalatoris at Liberty National just two weeks before the start of the Ryder Cup.

Woods baffled by piece of Fowler's golf equipment

Although Woods is unlikely to be present at the Ryder Cup in Italy at the end of September, he has been in close contact with Johnson and the rest of the team in the build up to the biennial contest against Europe.

#WATCH Tiger Woods was on the range at @LibNatGolf this morning with Rickie Fowler & Will Zalatoris. #NexusCup (Via: @EastsideGolf) @TWlegion | @ZalatorisLegion | @RickieLegion pic.twitter.com/Mk4PvYDau7
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) September 12, 2023